A. macrospathum - S. Hyndman, GRS, T. Croat, et al.

[George R Stilwell, Jr.]

Dear Aroiders,

I was working in a town in the beautiful mountains of the Mexican State
of
Michoacan recently and I had the opportunity to do some baotanizing while
I
was there.  These mountains are the winter home of the Monarch
Butterflies
that migrate from as far north as Canada.  The beauty of the place is
breathtaking, especially for someone such as myself living at sea level
in
Florida.

There were numerous species of fall blooming wild flowers in the
Compositae
and Labiatae families that produced a glorious riot of color in the
mountain valleys.  The only wild aroid species that caught my eye was an
Arisaema growing near the southwest face of tree covered rocky
outcroppings
at about 2,300 meters altitude.  They were in fruit with leaves about 100
cm tall and with five leaflets.  The mature female corms were about 4 to
5
cm in diameter and they had numerous cormlets.  Anyone have any idea as
to
the species?

I look forward to a reply.

Regards,  Scott Hyndman

Scott,

Hard to tell from your description. One possibility is A. macrospathum.
Yucca Do nursery offered these collected in the Mexican mountains.

Ray
GRSJr at Juno.com

Scott:  There are only two species there.  It would have to be A.
macrospathum or A. dracontioides.

Tom Croat

Dear Scott,

I guess it could be Arisaema macrospathum. And if you harvest seed of it,
I'd be extremely happy if getting some, as this is one species I don't
grow
in my Belgian collection. In return I' be glad to send you seed of other
arisaema species if you are interested in this genus. Indeed, from 2,300
m,
it could be perfectly hardy in sheltered European garden.
Looking forward to hearing from you,

Guy Gusman

Hello Guy,

I could send you some seed (they are still in nearly ripe fruit) as well
some cormlets, and possibly even a mature female corm (since they are
still
attached to the infructesence).  Please send me your mailing address and
any plant import requirements for Belgium.  What do you have to trade
with?
I am interested not only in Arisaema and Aroids in general, but also
diverse ornamental and botanically interesting plants.  I look forward to
hearing from you.

Regards,  Scott